People spend most of their lives indoors. Sometimes, pollutant levels can be as high as 100 times the levels encountered outside. The Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air pollution among the top environmental hazards in the US.
What particles can HVAC systems spread?
While the rest of the world is focusing on coronavirus, HVAC professionals know from experience that it’s not the only disease, germ, virus, or pollutant we combat indoors.
We know that there are many other particles that a central HVAC system can spread throughout your home. One way people choose to be proactive and protect themselves from these particles is by learning more about indoor air quality.
How does the coronavirus spread in our home?
The current belief is that the principal mode of transmission of the coronavirus is droplets. They can spread through coughing, sneezing, or even breathing heavily. By covering your mouth with your arm or a mask, the threat of spreading those droplets goes down.
However, there is still a possibility that particles end up traveling through the HVAC system and spreading throughout the home. These pathogens in the air can be fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Viruses are much smaller than bacteria, and cannot survive without a host.
How to stop HVAC systems from spreading harmful particles?
The HVAC system and duct system can potentially contribute to spreading unwanted pathogens in the air, but not because the system was contaminated in the first place. The air is what becomes contaminated, not the system.
So, starting with controlling the source of the pathogen is the first step in dealing with IAQ issues. Effective products can range from a higher Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rated filter, to electronic air cleaners, and even ultraviolet sterilization systems.
Implementing an ultraviolet system
To reduce the risk of spreading unwanted pathogens, you can choose to implement an ultraviolet system. When professionals install the ultraviolet system per manufacturer’s guidelines, and if you continue to use it properly, it can prove to be a useful tool.
Ultraviolet systems work because they disassemble the DNA of organic matter. These systems are used in many applications, like for sterilizing medical instruments, cleaning water in treatment plants, and food processing.
Contacting experienced HVAC contractors
HVAC contractors are in a unique position to be able to educate their customers on the value of IAQ, even when the coronavirus is not present. There are many ways to improve IAQ, and HVAC professionals are ready to help. Improving IAQ helps to allow people to breathe clean, fresh, and healthier air.
G. A. Larson helps you give your customers a healthy HVAC system
Your customers deserve the peace of mind of knowing they’re safe in their own homes. The single biggest aspect of a safe home is a high degree of indoor air quality. Gustave A. Larson is the leading wholesale distributor of healthy residential and commercial HVAC systems. We want you to provide your clients with the safest HVAC solutions on the market.
But that’s not all. We also offer completely healthy commercial HVAC units. No matter if you’re working with homeowners or business owners, we are able to outfit you with the best HVAC equipment, parts, and units. Also, now is a great time to educate your consumers on IAQ, and your HVAC experts at Larson are a great resource. Contact us if we can help you in any way!